Did you know that dozens of Orange County-born African Americans fought for freedom during the American Civil War? Are you familiar with the acronym USCT? The information is far too vast to share in one column or even two, but I can introduce you to the subject and some fascinating stories about the courageous individuals …

I have something a little different this week. The Montpelier Foundation recently received the photograph posted here. The picture was donated to the vast Clara Ellis Payne Collection by Mrs. Clara Ellis Payne herself! We are grateful for her generosity, knowledge and willingness to share. I chose to publish the photo with the hope that …